Lando and Shaffer Will Compete in 2026 Rebelle Rally
The 2025 X-Cross class champions will return to the ten-day competition this October in a modified Subaru Forester.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Car Types
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Defending X-Cross class champions Carey Lando and Andrea Shaffer will compete in the 2026 Rebelle Rally, set to run from October 7 to October 17, 2026. The duo, known as Team 200, will pilot a modified 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid through the ten-day, 1,500-mile navigation event.
Why it matters
The team participates to showcase the off-road capabilities of an AWD crossover in challenging terrain. By navigating without modern GPS or electronic aids, the event tests the limits of both the vehicle and the drivers.
The competition spans a 1,500-mile course utilizing 30-inch Milestar Patagonia A/T Pro tires. The modified Forester features a 3-inch suspension lift alongside specialized RaceWorks coil-overs and RalliTEK adjustable arms.
The players
Carey Lando
Carey Lando is a competitive driver who won the X-Cross class at the 2025 Rebelle Rally.
Andrea Shaffer
Andrea Shaffer is an experienced off-road navigator and co-driver who secured the 2025 X-Cross class victory.
The Bluebird Fund
The Bluebird Fund is the chosen nonprofit organization that will receive support from Team 200 during the 2026 rally.
The details
Team 200 has outfitted their Forester with extensive underbody protection and a TORQ locker to handle rugged trails like Moab's Hell's Revenge and Colorado's Black Bear Pass. The rally requires competitors to navigate exclusively using traditional maps, compasses, and roadbooks rather than digital GPS technology.
Timeline
2025: Lando and Shaffer won the X-Cross class.
October 7-17, 2026: The 2026 Rebelle Rally takes place.
Roadmap
This effort reflects a growing trend of automakers and private teams pushing the limits of AWD crossover platforms in extreme environments. It positions the Subaru Forester as a viable competitor in specialized rally segments dominated by traditional, heavy-duty off-road vehicles.
Drivers interested in the Forester platform can observe how the vehicle's stock components handle demanding conditions with custom modifications. These demonstrations provide insights into the durability and aftermarket potential for everyday AWD crossovers.
The takeaway
Competing in navigation-based rallies proves that advanced electronics are not the only way to tackle difficult terrain. Interested enthusiasts can replicate similar upgrades to improve their own vehicle's trail readiness.
What happens next
The 2026 Rebelle Rally will take place over ten days beginning October 7, 2026, and concluding October 17, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving vehicle performance trends in our Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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